A Resting Place

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A Lowly Example

“There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise… The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;” (Prov. 30:24, 26 KJV)

Here is a scripture that has often been on my mind. There are four small creatures in this chapter that do by instinct things which carry important messages for our lives. The rock badger or cony mentioned in this verse is the build of a prairie dog or a small rabbit. It is a creature without bristles, fangs, or dangerous claws. It is vulnerable and seems without defense.

However, the instincts of the cony are things we should take the time to learn and then apply into our lives. This predator-friendly animal runs to the rocks and is safe. The creature, knowing its limitations, does not try to outsmart or overpower an enemy. It simply lives where it will be secure.

A Sure Resting Place

I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3)

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Prov. 18:10)

Here is a life principle for us: Jesus Christ is our Rock. As our Rock He should be where we make our home, just as the conies made their home in the rock. We should not make our homes in this world and then go searching for our stronghold when tragedy strikes or we get overwhelmed by this life. We should just be able to go home! If we are to live in the enjoyment of what the Savior provides for us, making Jesus our regular resting place is crucial.

Notice the verse does not say, “the scaredy-cat people run to it and are safe”. It says that the righteous are those who run there. This is most surely a retreat. A rock badger doesn’t need to learn that it is vulnerable, but we do. While we can’t always handle things, our Rock is one that can weather the storm and take the attacks. We simply need to rest in Him, to dwell “in Christ”

A Life Principle

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”

“Just as He chose us in Himbefore the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love”
“In Him we have redemption through His blood”

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will”

Here are just a few of the many references to “in Christ” in Ephesians chapter one. As you read the New Testament, is should become obvious that the life which we live is lived “in Him”. This does not mean that the life which you live will be devoid of all troubles and sadness. It means that, if you are in Him when these things come, you can rest assured that they were allowed to reach you. What a peace it is to know that everything that happens to you has gone through the loving mind of our Savior before it ever touched you. He is our security and rest, and nothing will get through to us unless He lets it come.